IN BRIEF / Orange County / SANTA ANA

Judge O'Leary wins 'Access to Justice' award

4th District Appellate Judge Kathleen E. O'Leary has been named this year's winner of the Benjamin Aranda III Access to Justice Award, which honors judges who demonstrate a long-term commitment to improving access to justice.

Among other accomplishments, she was honored for her role in obtaining $8.7 million in ongoing funding for self-help centers in the courts.

"This is the first ongoing funding that has ever been allocated for these services," said Bonnie Hough, a spokeswoman for the Center for Families, Children & the Courts.

O'Leary will be presented with the award at a Sept. 27 luncheon in Anaheim.